Each year, the Maiden City Festival celebrates Londonderry's diversity and
remembers those who lost their lives when the city walls were seiged in
1689.

In 1689, Catholic James II laid siege to Londonderry, a Protestant stronghold. The siege began when 13 Apprentice Boys shut the gates against the King and his army. “Surrender or die!” was the royal command. “No surrender,” replied the Apprentice Boys. The walls were never breached, giving Londonderry its "Maiden City" moniker.

Londonderry was besieged for eight months, and 4,000 people – half its population – starved to death. The siege ended in August when Dutch ships sailed up the river Foyle and broke the barricade that blocked supplies.

Every year, the Apprentice Boys have marked the Relief of Derry in a festival that in the past provoked civil disturbance, but more recently has become a celebration of the city’s diversity.

This year the festivities are set to be more joyous than ever with a line dance championship, a Trail of the Siege Heroes around the walls, exhibitions centred on the history of the Apprentice Boys and music. The story of the siege will be presented as a key moment in Londonderry’s history, but the overall tone will be of celebration as the Apprentice Boys, with banners, flutes and drums, parade through the city.